Water board bye-law

The water board bye-law (keur) states what is and is not permitted in the vicinity of water defences (dikes and embankment) and waterways (e.g. ditches and rivers) in the Netherlands. The bye-law affects you if you have land or want to carry out (construction) work in the vicinity of a water defence or waterway. The rules are strictest close to a water defence or waterway. For example, land reclamation is not permitted.

You have to notify the district water board of your activities. In some cases, you will need a water permit. In addition, supplementary water board rules and regulations apply. Certain obligations (regarding maintenance and otherwise) may apply to owners or users of land.

Inspection

The bye-laws applicable in your region are available for inspection at the offices of the district water board in your region. Often it is also possible to consult the documents online.